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How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home (RSMeans)



How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home (RSMeans) – Product Review

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home (RSMeans) – Product Review

Do you want to learn how your house works and how to keep it in good shape? Do you want to save money and time by doing simple repairs and maintenance tasks yourself? Do you want to avoid costly and stressful problems caused by faulty systems or components? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in reading How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home (RSMeans), a comprehensive and easy-to-follow book that explains the inner workings of your home and how to take care of it.

In this product review, we will give you an overview of the book, its features, benefits, drawbacks, and our verdict. We hope that this review will help you decide whether this book is worth buying and reading.

What is the book about?

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home (RSMeans) is a book written by Charlie Wing, an expert in home improvement and repair. The book was first published in 1993 and has been updated several times since then. The latest edition, published in 2018, covers the most recent technologies and standards in home construction and maintenance.

The book is divided into 12 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of your home, such as plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, ventilation, insulation, roofing, siding, windows, doors, foundations, and framing. Each chapter contains detailed diagrams, illustrations, photos, and explanations of how the various systems and components work, how they are connected, and how they can be repaired or replaced. The book also provides tips and tricks on how to troubleshoot common problems, prevent potential issues, and improve the efficiency and performance of your home.

What are the features of the book?

Some of the features of the book are:

  • It is written in a clear and concise language that is easy to understand by anyone, regardless of their level of technical knowledge or experience.
  • It uses visual aids, such as diagrams, illustrations, photos, and symbols, to show the anatomy and function of each system and component in your home.
  • It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of how water, electricity, and gas flow in your home, to the advanced topics of how to install and maintain solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, and smart home devices.
  • It includes practical advice and recommendations on how to perform routine maintenance and repairs, such as how to unclog a drain, replace a fuse, fix a leaky faucet, or install a new thermostat.
  • It provides useful information and resources on how to comply with the codes and standards that regulate home construction and maintenance, such as the National Electrical Code, the International Residential Code, and the Energy Star program.
  • It offers helpful hints and warnings on how to avoid common mistakes, hazards, and scams that could compromise the safety and quality of your home.

What are the benefits of the book?

Some of the benefits of the book are:

  • It helps you gain a better understanding of how your house works and how to keep it in good condition.
  • It empowers you to do simple repairs and maintenance tasks yourself, saving you money and time that you would otherwise spend on hiring professionals.
  • It enables you to prevent or solve minor problems before they become major ones, avoiding costly and stressful situations that could damage your home or endanger your family.
  • It teaches you how to improve the efficiency and performance of your home, reducing your energy bills and environmental impact.
  • It increases your confidence and satisfaction as a homeowner, knowing that you have the knowledge and skills to take care of your home.

What are the drawbacks of the book?

Some of the drawbacks of the book are:

  • It is not a substitute for professional advice or service. Some repairs and maintenance tasks may require specialized tools, equipment, or expertise that are beyond the scope of the book. You should always consult a qualified contractor or technician before attempting any complex or risky projects.
  • It may not cover all the specific details or variations of your home. Depending on the age, design, and location of your home, some systems and components may differ from those described or illustrated in the book. You should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or local codes and regulations for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  • It may not reflect the latest trends or innovations in home technology. The book was last updated in 2018, which means that some of the information or recommendations may be outdated or obsolete by now. You should always do your own research and comparison before buying or installing any new products or devices in your home.

What is our verdict?

Our verdict is that How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home (RSMeans) is a valuable and informative book that can help you learn how your house works and how to take care of it. It is written in a clear and concise language, supported by visual aids, and covers a wide range of topics. It provides practical advice and tips on how to perform routine maintenance and repairs, prevent potential problems, and improve the efficiency and performance of your home. It also gives you useful information and resources on how to comply with the codes and standards that regulate home construction and maintenance.

However, the book is not perfect. It is not a substitute for professional advice or service, it may not cover all the specific details or variations of your home, and it may not reflect the latest trends or innovations in home technology. You should always consult a qualified contractor or technician before attempting any complex or risky projects, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or local codes and regulations for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and do your own research and comparison before buying or installing any new products or devices in your home.

Overall, we think that this book is worth buying and reading if you want to learn how your house works and how to keep it in good shape. It is a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide that can help you save money and time, avoid costly and stressful problems, and increase your confidence and satisfaction as a homeowner.

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